Constipation

Constipation is most often defined as having a bowel movement less than 3 times per week. It is often associated with hard stools or problems passing stools. You may have pain while passing stools or may be unable to have a bowel movement after straining or pushing.

Alternative Names:

Irregularity of bowels; Lack of regular bowel movements

Considerations:

Normal bowel movements are different for each person. Some people do not have a bowel movement every day. Also, some healthy people always have very soft stools. Other have firm stools, but are able to pass them without problems.

When you do not have frequent bowel movements, or it takes a lot of effort to pass stool, you have constipation. Passing large, wide, or hard stools may tear the anus, especially in children. This can cause bleeding and may lead to an anal fissure.

Causes:

Constipation is most often caused by:

Low-fiber diet

Lack of physical activity

Not drinking enough water

Delay in going to the bathroom when you have the urge to move your bowels

Stress and travel can also contribute to constipation or other changes in bowel habits.

Over 4 months old: If the baby has started to eat solid foods, try baby foods with high-fiber content such as peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums, and spinach twice a day.

Regular exercise may also help establish regular bowel movements. If you are confined to a wheelchair or bed, change position often. Also do abdominal exercises and leg raises. A physical therapist can recommend exercises that you can do.

Stool softeners (such as those containing docusate sodium) may help. Bulk laxatives such as psyllium may help add fluid and bulk to the stool. Suppositories or gentle laxatives, such as milk of magnesia liquid, may help you have regular bowel movements.

Enemas or stimulant laxatives should only be used in severe cases. These methods should be used only if fiber, fluids, and stool softeners do not provide enough relief.

Do NOT give laxatives or enemas to children without first asking your doctor.

When to Contact a Medical Professional:

Call your doctor right away if you have sudden constipation with abdominal cramps and you cannot pass gas or stool. Do NOT take any laxatives.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for
the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be
consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for
all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they
do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any
duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.